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Problems We Found In McAllen's Drinking Water

Analies Dyjak @ Friday, December 15, 2017 at 10:34 am -0500

Kezia Snipe  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst

For Hydroviv’s assessment of tap water in McAllen, TX, we aggregated water quality test data from McAllen Public Utility, the city’s water provider and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We cross reference these data with toxicity studies in the scientific and medical literature, and delve into upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we offer at Hydroviv are optimized with these numbers in mind.

Sources Of McAllen Drinking Water

The sources of drinking water used by McAllen Public Utility are Surface Water and Ground Water. Water is received from the Falcon and Amistad Dams, located in Starr and Val Verde Counties, respectively. The water is transferred from the Rio Grande River by irrigation districts into reservoirs. 

Arsenic In McAllen Drinking Water

Arsenic is a toxic metal that is known to cause cancer and other health issues. Unlike lead, which distributes into water from plumbing, arsenic comes from the source water itself. McAllen is in compliance with the EPA’s water quality standards but it’s important to point out that EPA’s standard balances the toxicity against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. The city’s most recent tap water quality report reported an average arsenic concentration up to 3 parts per billion. Hydroviv recommends that anyone with more than 1 part per billion take steps to remove arsenic from their water, especially if they have children.

Chromium 6 Levels In McAllen Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal that is not currently regulated by the EPA. In recent years, the city’s tap water has averaged 7 parts per trillion for Chromium 6. These levels are well within compliance with federal standards but do carry risks of having negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In McAllen Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not currently regulated very well, the EPA has admitted that they are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems.

Still Have Questions About McAllen Drinking Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each customer's water. The contaminants that we list above are what we consider to be major “points of emphasis” that we use to build water filters that are built specifically for McAllen, but all of our our filters provide broad protection against a wide range of contaminants (including lead).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for McAllen tap water, or just have questions about water quality in general, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook. We pride ourselves in being a reputable source of information on water quality, and your questions will be answered by scientists, not salespeople (we don't have any salespeople).

Please Share This Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

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Problems We Found In Orange's Tap Water

Analies Dyjak @ Friday, December 15, 2017 at 11:12 am -0500

Kezia Snipe  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst

For Hydroviv’s assessment of Orange's tap water, we aggregated water quality test data from the City of Orange Water Division, the city’s water provider, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We cross reference these data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we build for people who live in Orange are optimized with these figures in mind.

Source Of Orange Drinking Water

Orange’s water comes from three sources. The primary source is groundwater drawn from 14 municipal wells drilled about 1000 feet into the Santa Ana River Aquifer. Well water goes directly into the distribution system, is disinfected with chlorine and meets all state regulations. The second source is water imported by the Metropolitan Water District, from the Colorado River and from northern California (San Francisco-San Joaquin Bay Delta). Metropolitan water is filtered and disinfected with chloramines. Orange also purchases a small amount of water from the Serrano Water District. This source is primarily treated surface water, but also includes local treated well water.

Lead in Orange Drinking Water

Lead contamination in tap water is different from most pollutants, as lead comes from plumbing, not the water supply. 2019 lead sampling by the City of Orange reported a lead level at 3 parts per billion. However, this does not necessarily represent the lead levels at individual taps, and one sample tested exceeded the 15 ppb Action Level. EPACDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recognize that there is no safe level of lead for children. In addition, Federal regulations cannot take into account levels measured at an individual tap.

Chromium 6 Levels In Orange Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal that is not regulated by the EPA. In recent years, Orange’s tap water has averaged 320 parts per trillion for Chromium 6. While they are in compliance with nonexistent federal and very loose state regulations, these levels are 16 times higher than the concentration determined to have negligible impact on cancer risk.

Uranium in Orange's Drinking Water 

Uranium is a naturally occurring radionuclide typically found in groundwater. Uranium enters water by leaching from soil and rocks, or in releases from processing plants. Long term exposure to uranium in drinking water increases the risk of kidney cancer in humans. Uranium can also decay into other radioactive substances, such as radium, which has also been known to cause cancer. The current EPA federal standard for uranium in drinking water is 30 parts per billion. Uranium levels in Orange ranged from 1.23 - 9.07 in 2020.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Orange Drinking Water

DBPs (including Haloacetic Acids-- HAA5s, and Trihalomethanes--TTHMs), are a category of emerging contaminants that are created when chlorine-based disinfectants added to the water supply combine with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not fully regulated, the EPA has explicitly stated that they are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. In 2020 the level of trihalomethanes (TTHM) ranged from 6.8 - 48 ppb, with the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 80 ppb. The level of Haloacetic Acids were measured at 18 ppb, with a MCL of 60 ppb. 

PFAS in Orange's Drinking Water

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a category of emerging contaminants commonly used in firefighting foam, Teflon, non-stick surfaces, stain-resistant surfaces, and food packaging. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has determined that PFAS exposure is associated with various adverse health effects, including an increased risk of cancer, lowered fertility rates, and developmental issues in infants and young children. 

PFAS is not currently federally regulated, but PFAS levels in drinking water above 70 ppt is considered unsafe by the EPA and CDC, and most agree the safe level should be considerably lower. PFOA was detected in drinking water at levels as high as 21.1 parts per trillion (ppt), while PFOS was detected with levels as high as 37.5 ppt.  Not all water filters are designed to remove PFAS from tap water. If you'd like to find water filters that remove PFAS from tap water, check out this Duke/NC State PFAS study. Hydroviv filters are NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certified for PFOA/PFOS removal.

Still Have Questions About Orange Tap Water Or Water Quality In General?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each customer's water. The contaminants that we list above are what we consider to be major “points of emphasis” that we use to build water filters that are built specifically for Orange, but our filters provide broad protection against a wide range of additional contaminants found in Orange's tap water.

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Orange's water, or just have questions about water quality in general, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook. We pride ourselves in being a reputable source of information on water quality, and your questions will be answered by scientists, not salespeople (we don't have any salespeople on staff).

Please Share This Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

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Problems We Found In Syracuse Drinking Water

Analies Dyjak @ Friday, December 15, 2017 at 11:39 am -0500

Kezia Snipe  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst

For Hydroviv’s assessment of Syracuse tap water, we aggregated water quality test data from the City of Syracuse Department of Water, the water provider for the city and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We cross reference these data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we offer at Hydroviv are optimized with these numbers in mind.

Source Of Syracuse Drinking Water

For 123 years, the primary water supply for the City of Syracuse has been Skaneateles Lake, a Finger Lake located approximately 20 miles southwest of the City. Syracuse has utilized this lake for its water supply since 1894. Skaneateles Lake is approximately 15 miles long and one mile wide with a maximum depth of 300 feet. Skaneateles Lake has a relatively small watershed of 59 square miles and a water surface area of 13.6 square miles. In 2016, an average of 25.03 million gallons per day was released at the outlet of Skaneateles Lake to control lake level and maintain Skaneateles Creek flow at or above the minimum required flow.

Chromium 6 In Syracuse Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is an extremely toxic metal that is not currently regulated by the EPA. In recent years, Syracuse tap water averaged 57 parts per trillion. For the sake of perspective, these levels are nearly 3 times higher than the concentration determined to have negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Syracuse Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not currently regulated very well, the EPA has admitted that they are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems.

Still Have Questions About Syracuse Drinking Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each customer's water. The contaminants that we list above are what we consider to be major “points of emphasis” that we use to build water filters that are built specifically for Syracuse, but all of our our filters provide broad protection against a wide range of contaminants (including lead).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Syracuse tap water, or just have questions about water quality in general, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook. We pride ourselves in being a reputable source of information on water quality, and your questions will be answered by scientists, not salespeople (we don't have any salespeople).

Please Share This Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

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Problems We Found With Fort Wayne Drinking Water

Emma Schultz @ Monday, November 27, 2017 at 10:21 am -0500

Emma Schultz, M.S.  |  Scientific Contributor
**Updated July 18, 2019 to include current data

For our assessment of Fort Wayne's tap and drinking water, we aggregated water quality test data from Fort Wayne City Utilities, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We cross reference these data with toxicity studies in the scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we sell in Fort Wayne are optimized with these drinking water problems in mind.

Source Of Fort Wayne Drinking Water

Fort Wayne’s tap and drinking water is surface water-based and originates in the St. Joseph River. Fort Wayne operates two dams on the St. Joseph River to ensure sufficient water supply during periods of drought, with emergency reserves available from the Hurshtown Reservoir near Grabill. Water is treated and filtered at the Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant before being distributed to consumers.

Lead In Fort Wayne Drinking Water

Fort Wayne is in violation of the Lead and Copper Rule, with lead levels that exceed the federal Action Level. Lead enters into a Fort Wayne consumer’s tap and drinking water through old lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. According to the most recent report, the lead levels in Fort Wayne are 18.4 parts per billion, which is above the 15 part per billion Action Level. When corrosion control measures fail (such as recently happened in Flint, Michigan), lead leaches into the drinking water and can reach toxic levels. EPA, CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recognize that there is no such thing as a safe level of lead. 

Chromium 6 In Fort Wayne Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal that is not regulated by the EPA. Fort Wayne’s tap water recently averaged 215 parts per trillion for chromium 6. These levels are 11 times higher than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Fort Wayne Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that are formed when chlorine-based disinfectants (added to the water supply to protect it) combine with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not fully regulated, the EPA has explicitly stated that they are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. 

Use Of Chlorine In Fort Wayne Tap Water

Like many cities in the United States, Fort Wayne adds chlorine to the water supply to keep consumers safe from waterborne pathogens. While not considered harmful at low levels, many people find that when they remove the chlorine from their tap water, they notice an improvement in taste and odor. When you choose to filter your Fort Wayne tap water, we believe you will notice an immediate taste enhancement.

Still Have Questions About Fort Wayne’s Tap Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each city’s water. The chemicals that we list above are what we consider to be “points of emphasis” so we can build the best water filter for Fort Wayne tap water, but all of our water filters provide broad protection against other contaminants commonly found in drinking water (e.g. VOCs, heavy metals [including lead], pharmaceuticals, solvents, pesticides, mercury).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Fort Wayne tap water, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook.

Please Share This Fort Wayne Water Quality Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

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Things To Know About Warren's Drinking Water

Analies Dyjak @ Friday, December 15, 2017 at 2:36 am -0500

Kezia Snipe  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst

For Hydroviv’s City of Warren, MI water quality report, we aggregated water quality test data from City Of Warren Water Division, the city's water provider and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We cross reference these data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The custom water filters that we offer at Hydroviv are optimized with these numbers in mind.

Source Of Warren Drinking Water

Warren's source water comes from the Detroit River, situated within Lake St. Clair, and several watersheds within the US and Canada.

Lead In Warren Drinking Water

Lead enters tap water through older lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures put in place by the municipality fail (like what happened in Flint), lead drains into the drinking water, and can reach dangerous levels. Currently, 10% of samples analyzed for lead in Warren is .48 parts per billion. Though Warren's city water quality is well within compliance with federal regulations, the EPA and CDC have both acknowledged that there is no safe level of lead, and federal regulations do not take into account levels measured at an individual tap.

Chromium 6 In Warren Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is an extremely toxic metal that is not currently regulated by the EPA. In recent years, Warren's city water quality averaged 110 parts per trillion. For the sake of perspective, these levels are over 5 times higher than the concentration determined to have negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Warren Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not currently regulated very well, the EPA has admitted that they are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems.

Still Have Questions About Warren Drinking Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each customer's water. The contaminants that we list above are what we consider to be major “points of emphasis” that we use to build water filters that are built specifically for Warren, but all of our our filters provide broad protection against a wide range of contaminants (including lead).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Warren tap water, or just have questions about water quality in general, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook. We pride ourselves in being a reputable source of information on water quality, and your questions will be answered by scientists, not salespeople (we don't have any salespeople).

Please Share This City of Warren Water Quality Report On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

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Why Does EPA Allow Toxic Chemicals In Drinking Water?
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